Table of Contents
Preferred contact method:
nkcooney@gmail.com
What experiences and perspectives would you contribute to Town Meeting?
Professionally, I am a former attorney with experience in advocacy and policy in the education space. Personally, I'm a mom of three kids in our Winchester schools (4th grade, 2nd grade, and Kindergarten). Even though we might be short on time, I think it's so important for parents of young kids to get involved in town government and share our perspectives. I first started getting involved a few years ago to help push for much-needed literacy improvements in our schools. Through that experience (and after attending many School Committee, Select Board, and Finance Committee meetings!) I've developed a deeper understanding of the issues facing our Town and how much our Town is run by dedicated volunteers. I'm running for Town Meeting because I want to do my part and help keep Winchester a wonderful, thriving town that my own kids will want to move back to one day.
What are two or three issues facing Winchester that you think are most important and what are your positions on them?
In this coming Town election, passing the override is critical and something I strongly support. As we've seen recently in neighboring towns, periodic overrides are necessary due to high inflation and the limits of Proposition 2 1/2 -- especially in towns like ours that are made up of primarily residential real estate. Through careful management and operating on a tight budget, Winchester has put off an override as long as possible. Without an override we face cuts that will really hurt our schools and our Town. I trust the State of the Town process (and I'm so grateful to everyone that participated in that long and diligent effort) and I think the resulting plan is thoughtful, comprehensive, and responsible, and balances both the very real needs of our Town, while also minimizing the impact on taxpayers -- especially those for whom an override could create a financial hardship.
As a parent of young kids, I'm also very focused on making sure our schools address the Literacy and Math curriculum, culture, and Tier II issues identified in the Literacy Study Report. The district and School Committee have taken important steps in the right direction, but override funding is key to securing the long-overdue changes our kids and teachers need. As a Town Meeting Member (and active community member), I will be focused on holding the district accountable for making these and other key changes in support of our kids and teachers.
While I strongly support properly funding our schools (and I also strongly support a new Muraco!), I also think it's so important that we don't ignore essential updates, repairs, and investments in other aspects of our Town, including Town buildings, green spaces, and our (struggling) tree canopy. This is yet another reason why I think the override is so critical – I want to see all aspects of Winchester thriving (not just our schools!).
What is a special challenge in your precinct that might not be faced in other precincts?
As a Town Meeting Member, I would look forward to hearing from other Precinct 5 residents about what is most important to them and being their voice in Town governance.
Why should voters elect you to represent them?
I care about our community and I want to see it thrive. I like to stay informed – and help keep others informed – and I've shown I'm ready to get involved and try to make things even better!
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